Aromatherapy uses extracts from plants called essential oils. These oils are distilled from flowers, herbs and tree parts like bark, roots and peels.
The oils are breathed in through the nose or put on the skin during a massage. People can also use them for steam inhalation or in a bath.
Origins
The enduring allure of aromatics is demonstrated by the rich history of aromatherapy, with many ancient cultures utilising fragrant plants for their therapeutic properties. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, used essential oils in his treatment of patients and documented these remedies in his famous herbal Materia Medica.
The first distillation machines were developed by the ancient Egyptians to extract the precious oils needed for their embalming rituals. This early interest in natural substances demonstrates the holistic approach of the era.
The 19th century brought newfound fascination in the use of essential oils as perfumes and medicinal aids. French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse was credited with coining the term “aromatherapy” in 1937. His work paved the way for modern aromatherapy by exploring the therapeutic uses of essential oils and establishing their value as a form of alternative medicine. Aromatherapy’s modern resurgence is fuelled by the convergence of ancient wisdom and scientific research, promoting an holistic approach to wellness.
Symptoms
The smell of essential oils (like the aroma of a flower or fruit) travels through your nose and is recognized by special cells called olfactory receptors. These receptors send messages to different parts of your brain, and they can affect your emotions or behavior.
Smelling an oil may help reduce anxiety, depression, nausea, pain, stress, insomnia and other symptoms. Your health care provider might use aromatherapy along with other treatments for your condition.
In one study, people who had thyroid cancer were given aromatherapy before having radioactive iodine treatment. The aromatherapy helped reduce their nausea, retching and coughing.
You should never apply an essential oil directly to your skin, as it can cause a burn. Instead, your therapist will dilute the oil with another oil and massage it into your skin. They might also play relaxing music or light candles to enhance the experience.
Treatments
Aromatherapy is a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that involves inhaling essential oils or applying them to your skin. It’s often used to relieve stress, tension and pain. It may also help you relax or sleep better. People have been using aromatherapy for centuries. But the term “aromatherapy” was created by French perfumer and chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse in 1937. He was inspired to develop his treatment after he burned his hand in a laboratory explosion and plunged it into a vat of lavender oil. The oil helped his burn heal without scarring.
You can buy essential oils online, in health food stores and some regular supermarkets. But you should be sure they’re pure and safe for internal use. If you use them for a medical condition, you should work with an experienced and qualified aromatherapist or your doctor. Essential oils aren’t regulated by the FDA, so they can be harmful when not used correctly.
Side effects
Aromatherapy is not regulated by the FDA, so it’s important to use only oils that are safe and properly diluted. Certain oils may react with medications, trigger a sensitivity or allergy, or worsen symptoms of an underlying medical condition.
Some essential oils contain compounds that act like hormones, and can interact with drugs that affect the endocrine system (like estrogen or birth control pills). They also may cause side effects like skin irritation, respiratory problems, nausea and vomiting, or a hormonal imbalance.
Several studies have shown that inhaling essential oil scents can relieve stress and depression. One randomized controlled trial found that women with breast cancer who received a massage with lavender and bergamot oil had less anxiety than those who had a massage without the essential oils. However, more research is needed.
